The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has written an open letter to the timber industry to explain its expectations in relation to the management of fire risks prior to and during the construction of timber frame structures.

The letter has been produced in conjunction with the Structural Timber Association (STA). Together, they strive to promote a better understanding of fire risk management throughout all parts of the supply chain, including those outside STA’s membership. The standards to be achieved are the same regardless of trade body membership or otherwise.

Failure to meet these standards could result in action by HSE. The letter suggests that those who make design and procurement decisions that significantly affect fire risk could face a material breach if they fail to consider and reduce the risk of fire during the construction phase – in which case HSE would apply its Fee for Intervention scheme.